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Lake Hartwell State Park RV & Campground Guide

South Carolina

Lake Hartwell State Park is South Carolina's gateway to the mountain country on the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway. The expansive Lake Hartwell, one of the biggest lakes in the Southeast, is accessible from this park as well as from Sadlers Creek State Park, located 25.6 miles away. There is plenty to explore along the 14 miles of the lake's shoreline within the park's borders. In the park's forest, you can see fascinating flora and wildlife. Nearby Cities: • Fair Play, SC • Gumlog, GA • Oakway, SC • Hartwell, GA

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Weather
Spring 42–80 F
Summer 66–90 F
Fall 42–82 F
Winter 32–57 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Hartwell State Park

Lake Hartwell State Park Campground • Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 45 feet • Other amenities: Restrooms, hot showers, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, grills, ADA-accessible campsites

Tiger Cove Campground

Tiger Cove Campground is situated directly on the beautiful Lake Hartwell and features 960 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and swimming. Tom Cove Grill is on the premises with live music and lakeside dining. The campground has spacious RV sites that can house fifth-wheels, travel trailers, and big rigs.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Boat ramp, dock, restrooms, and showers

Forest Spring Family Campground

Forest Spring Family Campground is nestled in a stand of majestic evergreens and offers 30 shady, spacious campsites. This 10-acre campground has reasonably level sites with ample room for slide-outs. On site is a community building that includes the camp store, indoor exercise equipment, and coin-operated washers and dryers.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes, but pets are not allowed in the campground buildings

  • Other amenities: Playground, satellite television, and horseshoe pit

Anderson/Lake Hartwell KOA

Anderson/Lake Hartwell KOA is equipped to house 65-foot RVs with multiple slide-outs. RV campers have the option of using the dump station or sewer hookup sites. Restaurants, shopping, whitewater rafting, hiking, and other attractions are within a short distance of the campground.

  • Water hookup: Yes

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Dog park, cable TV, and swimming pool

RV Rentals Near Lake Hartwell State Park

Nearby RV Rentals

Restaurants

What to Do at
Lake Hartwell State Park

There's a picnic shelter at the park that can accommodate groups of up to 75 people and other picnic areas to enjoy a meal while looking over the lake. Sunsets and sunrises are stunning at the waterfront, so make sure you catch one during your visit. The park also offers excellent fishing in the lake, two boat ramps, a basketball court, and hiking.

Inside Lake Hartwell State Park

Inside Lake Hartwell State Park, you can walk the 0.75-mile nature trail or hike through South Carolina's mountain countryside. Bird-watching is best along the park's nature trail, where owls, hawks, and other birds of prey live. There are two playgrounds with equipment for children to play on, with one being in the campground. Anglers are known to catch stripers, catfish, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and hybrid bass in the lake. Other activities to do inside the state park are wildlife observing, swimming, and picnicking.

Fishing Fishing

Top catches at Lake Hartwell include largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, bream, and crappie. You can cast a line from the 140-foot fishing pier, the shore, or a boat. Make sure you get your South Carolina fishing license online before your trip.

Geocaching Geocaching

There is a geocache at the park near one of the hiking trails. You can use your smartphone or a GPS device to find it. Once you do, you can take a prize and sign the logbook. However, don't forget to bring a family-friendly item along to leave in the container for the next adventurer.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

You may see deer, groundhogs, coyotes, foxes, and skunks at Lake Hartwell State Park. Hawks and owls live in the oak and pine forests, and hiking the Nature Trail is a good way to spot one. Other birds to keep an eye out for while you're at the park are chipping sparrows, eastern bluebirds, tufted titmice, white-breasted nuthatches, and downy woodpeckers. Closer to the water, you may see turtles, beavers, and frogs.

Stargazing Stargazing

The park experiences little light pollution because it is far from city lights. You can take a blanket to the waterfront or set up a telescope at a picnic table to enjoy an evening of gazing at the heavens. In addition, astronomy events are sometimes held at Lake Hartwell State Park behind the park office.

Flora

Flora that you can find at Lake Hartwell State Park includes American sweetgum, river birch, red maple, white oak, American holly, tulip tree, and American beautyberries. In the spring, wildflowers bloom in a variety of colors.

Hiking Hiking

The mile-long Nature trail is an easy, family-friendly hike featuring lake views, ravines, and a creek. Kingfisher Trail travels along a cove and takes you to the fishing pier, making it both a beautiful and convenient path. You will also find fishing spots and picnic tables on this trail.

Boating

Have fun kayaking, canoeing, or jet skiing on Lake Hartwell. Lake Hartwell State Park has two boat ramps and a dock.

Swimming Swimming

Swimming is allowed in Lake Hartwell, although there aren't any designated swimming areas at the park.

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How to Get to
Lake Hartwell State Park

Lake Hartwell State Park is off of I-85 near the South Carolina and Georgia border. From Oakway, travel on SC-182 S and make a slight right onto Greer Road. Turn left onto SC-11 S, which is the first cross street that you come across. After 4.4 miles, you'll see Lake Hartwell State Park on the right-hand side.

Entering Lake Hartwell State Park

Parking is available by the boat ramps and at the campground.

Lake Hartwell State Park Per adult ages 18-64 : $3.0

Lake Hartwell State Park Per adult 65 and up : $1.5

Lake Hartwell State Park Per child ages 6-15 : $1.0

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Hartwell State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Lake Hartwell State Park?

Spring and summer are the best times of year to visit Lake Hartwell State Park because much of the flora is blooming. Fall is also a beautiful time to arrive because of the spectacular autumn colors.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Lake Hartwell State Park?

You can find raptors, songbirds, snakes, groundhogs, foxes, coyotes, skunks, green lizards, and deer at Lake Hartwell State Park. The Nature Trail is one of the best areas for wildlife viewing. Bird species to try spotting include hawks, owls, chipping sparrows, downy woodpeckers, tufted titmice, eastern bluebirds, and white-breasted nuthatches.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Lake Hartwell State Park?

There are around 100 designated RV camping spots in Lake Hartwell State Park. Although only water and electric hookups are available, the park has a dump station. The sites are paved and offer waterfront views. Each has a fire ring, a picnic table, and nearby restrooms.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Lake Hartwell State Park and what is the cost?

You're not required to reserve a camping spot at Lake Hartwell State Park, but it is recommended that you secure a spot if you plan on arriving during the summer season. You can only make a reservation if you plan to stay for at least two nights. It costs $28 per night for an RV campsite with water and electric hookups.

Are pets allowed at Lake Hartwell State Park?

Your pets are welcome at Hartwell State Park. They are allowed in the campground, and you can bring them with you on the hiking trails. However, they must be on a leash, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your furry family members.